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As the midweek Premier League action has helped to clear the smoke regarding the positions of certain Premier League teams, they might be forced to go back to the drawing board on the weekend. Teams like Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool have big enough squads to cope with three matches in a weekend though the same can’t be said about Tottenham and Southampton as they have somewhat lost their way.Here are 5 things to expect this weekend in the Premier League:
#1 Can Chelsea continue their fine form?
Being only one of the two teams in Europe’s top 5 Leagues to be on un-beaten so far this season, Chelsea will be looking to extend their un-beaten streak to 16 games this weekend. Having the 2nd best defense in the League with Terry and Cahill at the heart of it, Jose Mourinho’s men have a perfect combination of attack and defense this season.
However with a new-look Newcastle as their next opponent on Saturday as the Magpies have won 5 of the last 7, Chelsea might be in for a tough battle at St. James Park. But considering their recent form and since Diego Costa is set to return from suspension, it shouldn’t be difficult for Chelsea to get pass Newcastle un-scathed.
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On the other hand with Newcastle in the picture, the Magpies would be drawing inspiration from local rivals Sunderland as the Black-cats kept Chelsea goal-less a week ago at the Stadium of Light.
#2 Can Manchester United become threat once again?
When Manchester United was defeated by Manchester City a month ago, some would have thought that this might be another long and hard season for the 20 time Champions. However with Rooney returning back to his best and Van Persie banging goals for fun, Manchester United have performed as brilliantly as they ever did after the departure of Sir Alex.
On Monday they’ll meet a Southampton side who are coming on the back of consecutive defeats. Manchester United have every right to believe that they can do the unthinkable of challenging for the title should they go back home with a 5th successive win.
Before the start of last weekend Southampton were 7 points ahead of the Old Trafford-based club but they could be trailing Manchester United by 2 points by the end of this weekend.
#3 Can Sergio Aguero keep his fine form against Everton?
One of the most lethal strikers in Europe at the moment, Sergio Aguero is going through a purple patch in goal-scoring. With his scintillating display against Sunderland in midweek in which he ripped the Black-cats apart, the Argentine further distanced himself at the top of goal-scoring charts with already 14 goals to his name.
When Everton will visit the Etihad on Saturday on the back of a clumsy draw against Hull City, Roberto Martinez’s men will be vary of the threat Aguero can pose.
Having scored 7 times and having assisted thrice in the past 5 matches, Aguero is in the form of his life coming into this fixture. However, as Everton raise their game against big teams, the blue half of Merseyside could prove to be a tough nut to crack.
#4 Will Brendan Rodgers undergo a miraculous U-turn in his recent form?
Not too long ago, Brendan Rodgers was the favourite on the bookies list to be sacked having lost 4 games on the trot. 2 wins in the last 2 matches has been a sort of a mini revival for The Reds and another win would surely mean the danger-sword is down from the Irishman’s neck for now.
Despite a brave draw against Chelsea, Sunderland are in poor form as the Black Cats haven’t won a single match since November If Liverpool can get their third win on the trot Rodgers can go back to being a hero at Anfield again.
#5 Can Arsenal fans give Arsene Wenger a break?
Arsenal fans seeme to have taken their team’s miserable defeat against Manchester United a fortnight ago really bad. Banners and murmurs from the ‘Wenger Out’ have been more visible off late and The Gunners need to get three points to get the faith of their fans back.
The Gunners were hoping for building onto last season in which they managed a FA Cup triumph but the team’s lacklustre displays against big teams means they won’t be challenging for the title yet again.
An away trip to Stoke this weekend which would be followed by a trip to Turkish side Galatasary in the Champions League and Wenger would be hoping to get the fans on his side. However if things won’t get well at the early stages against Stoke, Arsenal fans won’t hold back their protests against Wenger’s tactics.
